The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a prestigious, fully funded fellowship that supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including STEM education. The program aims to ensure the quality, vitality, and strength of the U.S. scientific and engineering workforce by recognizing and nurturing individuals with the potential to make significant contributions.
The program is administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. NSF’s Directorate for STEM Education, Division of Graduate Education, along with other directorates, oversees the GRFP to foster the development of the next generation of STEM leaders.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Benefits
- Three years of support over a five-year fellowship period.
- $37,000 stipend per fellowship year.
- $16,000 Cost of Education allowance per year to cover all tuition and mandatory fees.
- Fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different institution after the first fellowship year.
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be pursuing full-time, research-based master’s or doctoral degrees in STEM or STEM education fields.
- An eligible applicant may submit only one application per annual competition.
- Proposals may only be submitted by certain types of PIs. Please see solicitation for details.
- There is additional eligibility information. Please see solicitation for details.
How to Apply for NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
- Review the full program guidelines and learn how to submit a proposal in the latest solicitation (NSF 25-547).
- Visit the non-NSF website (nsfgrfp.org) for comprehensive information on how to apply, eligibility, phone numbers, and email addresses.
- Check the Frequently Asked Questions for GRFP applicants for detailed guidance.
- Ensure the proposal meets the requirements specified in the funding opportunity and the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on the official program information.
What is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)?
The NSF GRFP is a fellowship program that supports outstanding graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in STEM fields, including STEM education. It aims to ensure the quality and strength of the U.S. scientific and engineering workforce.
What are the benefits of the NSF GRFP?
Each fellowship provides three years of support over a five-year period. It includes a $37,000 annual stipend and a $16,000 Cost of Education allowance to cover tuition and mandatory fees. The fellowship is portable between institutions.
Who is eligible to apply for the NSF GRFP?
Eligible applicants are graduate students pursuing full-time, research-based degrees in STEM or STEM education. Specific eligibility details are in the solicitation, and only one application per annual competition is allowed per applicant.
How do I apply for the NSF GRFP?
Applicants should review the solicitation (NSF 25-547) and visit nsfgrfp.org for comprehensive application information. Proposals must comply with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).
What is the deadline for the NSF GRFP application?
The official HTML does not specify a deadline date. Applicants should check the solicitation and nsfgrfp.org for current deadline information, as it may vary annually.
Can I transfer my NSF GRFP to another institution?
Yes, the fellowship is portable and can be transferred to a different institution of higher education after completion of the first fellowship year, with funds awarded to the enrolled institution.
What fields of study are supported by the NSF GRFP?
The program supports science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including STEM education, as part of research-based graduate degrees.
How many awards are made through the NSF GRFP?
NSF will support new Graduate Research Fellowships pending availability of funds, but the exact number of awards is not specified in the provided content.
Where can I find more resources about the NSF GRFP?
Additional resources include the non-NSF website (nsfgrfp.org), FAQs for applicants, an administrative guide for fellows, and a list of fellows and honorable mentions on Research.gov.
Who administers the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program?
The program is administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), specifically involving directorates such as STEM Education, Biological Sciences, Engineering, Geosciences, and others.
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